Love Inspired: June 2022 Box Set 2 of 2 by Carrie Lighte

Author:Carrie Lighte
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

Later Saturday afternoon, Mark had a lengthy phone conversation with his dad—the only man he’d ever call father. He’d gently filled in the gaps Mark had been too unstrung to hear from his mother. No, they hadn’t been in love at first, but there’d been something about the petite and pregnant Alicia Navarro that had stirred David Caldwell’s protective instincts. He’d had only a year of college left, and since his parents and Alicia’s aunt would be helping to support them for the time being, he’d willingly agreed to the marriage.

Then compassion had grown into friendship, which blossomed into genuine love, and once Mark entered their lives, David had realized he was in this marriage for keeps.

“We’d always intended to tell you about your mother and Owen,” Dad said. “But with every year that passed, it got harder to find the right time. Besides, with relations already strained between your mother and grandfather, she didn’t want the truth driving a wedge between you and your cousins.”

Now that Mark had cooled down, he could almost understand their logic, even forgive the secrecy, though it didn’t make his next decisions any easier. “This is what Mom meant, isn’t it? About me being the one to finally put the past to rest.”

“When the reason behind the Navarro-McClement feud came out at your grandfather’s birthday party, it was a huge start, but his senility kept him from fully resolving old issues. Now that he’s gone...”

Mark pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s up to the heir who’s both Navarro and McClement to finish healing the rift.”

“Exactly.” His father paused. “Think you’re up for it, son?”

“Guess we’ll find out.”

With a lot to process, he kept to himself the rest of the weekend—even tried a few clumsy prayers. He couldn’t be sure God was listening, but by Sunday evening, a semblance of peace began to fill him. It was time to break the news to his family.

His family on both sides of that ugly barbed-wire fence.

As he sat down to supper with Uncle Hank and Aunt Lois, he mentioned he had some news to share and would they mind if he asked everyone over later. They exchanged curious looks but didn’t press for details. With their consent, he texted Samuel and Spencer. Need to talk to everyone about some family stuff. Can you and your wives come to the house around 7:30 tonight? Spencer, please bring Audra, too. It’s important.

He could only imagine the speculation floating around. While he wished he could ask Holly to come for moral support, since she wasn’t family, explaining her presence would be awkward. Later, after the dust settled, it’d be a comfort to know she was only a phone call away.

And since when had he grown so dependent on her friendship? How long had they known each other now—three weeks? It felt like hardly any time at all, and yet...a lifetime.

Simmer down, Caldwell. Are you sure it’s Holly who has you so captivated, or is it only because her

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